New legislation makes a stronger sexual consent policy.

Something much-needed is coming to every college in New York state, and it could make its way across the country soon enough. Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed a bill that will provide more of a clear, affirmative sexual consent policy, reports the New York Times. This means there’s no room for gray area when it comes to consent.

The bill also creates a victim’s bill of rights that gives students the right to report any incident to campus police or local law enforcement. Previously, schools were the ones who handled these cases, and because many feared bad publicity, many offenders would avoid jail time. Luckily, with this new legislation, assaults will be reported accurately and to the state meaning that it can’t be swept under the rug.

Governor Cuomo has three daughters who will all be in college this fall, so of course this bill hits close to home. But when you think about the statistics — that one in five women on campus report sexual assault and less than five percent of campus rapes are reported to the police in New York — something had to be done.

California has similar legislation, but it only includes public colleges. New York’s is a little different in that it includes private universities as well. Hopefully other states will be inspired by this bill and adopt something similar.

"A woman isn't going to be made to feel guilty or complicit or fearful if she goes forward," the governor said after signing the bill. "We're not going to allow the schools to cover it up anymore. Those days are over."